Counseling and
Educational Development
Dione
Give a brief bio of yourself, including your education and/or professional background.
I was born in Manila, Philippines, and lived there until I was three, when my mother and I immigrated to Virginia. I grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia, moving around a lot but generally staying in the same area. I'm actually the eldest of two girls, and I've got a
huge, close extended family. We all live within two hours of each other and got together almost every weekend for some family celebration. That's the biggest thing I've missed since moving down here to North Carolina.
In May 2008, I graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor in English (concentrations in professional writing and literature, language and cultures) and also a minor in business leadership. Originally, I had grand plans of pursuing a career in magazine publishing or technical writing, but an internship with a magazine company quickly showed me that it wasn't the field for me. I'd also always been interested in working in education, but I didn't want to teach. During my undergrad, I worked in a variety of student affairs offices, including the writing center, career services, financial aid and academic support for athletes. I really loved working directly with students and being on a college campus. The energy, the atmosphere, the possibility--I love everything about college students and campuses! So, after my internship at the magazine company, I began to explore and see how I could pursue a career in working at a college with students, which led me to the counseling program!
What is the one word you would use to describe yourself?
Such a hard question! I think the right word would be "planner" (not too exciting, I know) because a) I can't live without my planner, and b) I am constantly planning for my next day, next week, next year... I just plan! I'm definitely learning how to be more flexible though---
it's all about balance!
Why did you choose UNCG as the place to complete your graduate studies?
One of the first things that attracted me to the UNCG CED program was the college counseling and student development track. I explored a lot of different programs for graduate school and I was initially interested in higher education and student affairs graduate programs.
When I found the program here at UNCG, I was immediately drawn to the different approach. As opposed to a program that would teach about the organizational aspects of higher education, the CED program really focuses on teaching you the skills you need to
better serve students--communication skills, counseling skills, helping skills. I saw the CED program as client-centered or, in my case, student-centered, and I loved that.
I was also very impressed by the well-deserved reputation of both the program and the faculty. In fact, I was so impressed, that I was initially very intimidated, particularly since I came from an English background, not a psychology background. I came to UNCG before submitting my application and Denisha Champion (CED admissions office) was so great at answering all my questions about the program, the faculty, the staff, and also in giving me a tour of the Clinic. I got a great feel for the program and I could see how passionate Denisha was about the program and the college counseling/student development in higher education track. She pretty much sold me on the spot! Since arriving, I've been challenged on a daily basis, but I feel better for it. I'm gaining knowledge and experience at the same time, and I feel supported by both the faculty and my cohort members. I feel that this best decision I could have made for myself.
Give some specific examples of how CED has changed and/or influenced your life.
The intensity of the program challenges me on a daily basis. If anyone had told me I would be working non-stop from 8AM to 8 PM, I wouldn't have believed them. Between work, class and practicums, it's a daily habit, but the most surprising thing is that I love it! As
much as I grumble to my family or friends, I love what I'm learning, I love working with clients. It's all one big learning experience for me, and it's been so helpful!
After the first semester was over, and I was able to sit back and reflect on what I had experienced, I remember thinking about my initial career goals (to work in student affairs or as a college career counselor), and I thought "is it going to be enough?" I wanted to do more. I wanted to use all my skills. I came into the program excited about counseling, but I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into. At the end of the semester, knowing what counseling was, knowing what counselors do, I wanted to do more of it! It made me really reevaluate my career goals and what I wanted to do with my life.
Pushing me out of my comfort zone has really helped me gain a new life perspective. I remember sitting across from one of my first advance practicum clients, hearing their story and being so amazed and humbled at what they were sharing. That they felt comfortable enough with me to share their deepest thoughts and emotions--things they've never shared with anyone before, I was just amazed at the human experience and I felt privileged to have chosen a profession that would allow me to be there for people when they need someone. It made me realize that I'll never know everything and that meant everything is a learning experience. Life is a learning experience for counselors.
What are your career plans?
I love college campuses and college students and so I hope to eventually work as a licensed counselor at a college counseling center. Ideally, I'd love a position that would allow me to be a practitioner and an educator. Educator in the sense of teaching counseling classes to students, leading workshops for faculty and staff, and reaching out to the community in the form of presentations for dormitory halls, student organizations, and other student groups
Favorite Food?
Pastries, cakes, pies, cupcakes! Anything sweet and full of carbs!
Favorite Movie?
Barefoot in the Park. It's an older romantic comedy with young Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. So funny! Not many people know about it, but it's always been one of my favorites.
Favorite Music?
I listen to a lot of everything so I don't have just one favorite. I have several, depending on my mood. If I could only choose one to listen to for the rest of my life, however, John Legend would probably be at the top of my list. I generally gravitate to more mellow, R&B music (although I have been known to be a huge fan of 80s music!).